Painting "Tobe-yaki" (Tobe-yaki ware ceramics), a traditional craft with a long history
Tobe-yaki ware ceramics is a traditional craft with a 240-year history dating back to the Edo period(1600-1868), and is designated as a traditional handicraft by the national government as well as an intangible cultural asset by Ehime Prefecture.
It is characterized by thick, smooth white porcelain and soft, hand-painted with indigo pigment called ”gosu”.
It is characterized by thick, smooth white porcelain and soft, hand-painted with indigo pigment called ”gosu”.
What is "Tobe-yaki" (Tobe-yaki ware ceramics)?
[Origin of "Tobe-yaki" (Tobe-yaki ware ceramics)]
The history goes back even further, to the Nara and Heian Periods (710-1185), when the name “Iyo-to*” stone, a specialty of Ehime Prefecture, reached the capital of Japan.
*Iyo is the former name of Ehime Prefecture. "To” means "砥 (whetstone)".
In the later Edo period (1603-1867), the production of porcelain began using this Iyoto waste stone as material, and it developed greatly as an industry under the patronage of the Ozu Clan (now part of Ehime Prefecture).
In the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the name of Tobe-yaki ware became known throughout the world, and by the Taisho Era (1912-1926), 70% of the pottery was exported.It has grown into a global industry.
It is so durable and resistant to breakage that it is also known as “fighting ceramics,” based on an anecdote about a couple who threw it at each other in a fight and it did not break.
Affordable and suitable for everyday use, the tradition of Tobe-yaki ware continues to be passed down and attracts people today.
The history goes back even further, to the Nara and Heian Periods (710-1185), when the name “Iyo-to*” stone, a specialty of Ehime Prefecture, reached the capital of Japan.
*Iyo is the former name of Ehime Prefecture. "To” means "砥 (whetstone)".
In the later Edo period (1603-1867), the production of porcelain began using this Iyoto waste stone as material, and it developed greatly as an industry under the patronage of the Ozu Clan (now part of Ehime Prefecture).
In the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the name of Tobe-yaki ware became known throughout the world, and by the Taisho Era (1912-1926), 70% of the pottery was exported.It has grown into a global industry.
It is so durable and resistant to breakage that it is also known as “fighting ceramics,” based on an anecdote about a couple who threw it at each other in a fight and it did not break.
Affordable and suitable for everyday use, the tradition of Tobe-yaki ware continues to be passed down and attracts people today.
Tobe Town, Home of Ceramics
[More than 100 ceramics studios gather here]
As the name suggests, Tobe Town is home to pottery.
There are about 100 ceramics studios in the town, and while carrying on the traditions, new works of art are being created every day.
We recommend that you visit the ceramics studios to find your favorites or enjoy sweets at the cafes served with Tobe-yaki ware vessels. There are many ways to enjoy the town, but the most popular is to try your hand at painting ceramics. Even small children can experience it as if they were drawing, so it is recommended as an experience for the whole family.
In addition to the “Painting Experience,” there are also other experiences related to Tobe-yaki ceramics, such as “Hand-building Experiences (Twisting Shaping Experience) ” and “Rokuro” (ceramics spinning on a potter's wheel) Experiences.
As the name suggests, Tobe Town is home to pottery.
There are about 100 ceramics studios in the town, and while carrying on the traditions, new works of art are being created every day.
We recommend that you visit the ceramics studios to find your favorites or enjoy sweets at the cafes served with Tobe-yaki ware vessels. There are many ways to enjoy the town, but the most popular is to try your hand at painting ceramics. Even small children can experience it as if they were drawing, so it is recommended as an experience for the whole family.
In addition to the “Painting Experience,” there are also other experiences related to Tobe-yaki ceramics, such as “Hand-building Experiences (Twisting Shaping Experience) ” and “Rokuro” (ceramics spinning on a potter's wheel) Experiences.
Tobe-yaki ware Painting Experience
[After choosing a vessel, it's time to paint!]
The first step in the Tobe-yaki ware painting experience is to choose a vessel.
There are many different types and sizes of ceramics to choose from. There are also interior accessories such as "Furin" (Japanese traditional wind chimes) and wall hangings.
After choosing a vessel, it is time to start painting.
The first thing to do is to draw a rough sketch with a pencil while visualizing the finished product. The reason for this is that the ceramics shrinks by about 10% when it is fired in a kiln, so it is important to imagine the finished product carefully. By the way, don't worry about the pencil lines in the drafts, as they will disappear after kiln firing.Once the drafts are done, the painting will finally be done in earnest. The pattern of the painting can be decided freely, so you can choose from traditional patterns, your favorite picture, or a handprint of your child to commemorate the experience/trip.
Once the painting is completed, it takes about 45 days for the vessels to be fired in the kettle. The rest is left to the staff at the hands-on facility, and we wait for them to be fired in the kettle. The time spent waiting is also a pleasure. The finished product will be mailed to you, so be sure to check the shipping address and the cost of shipping.
The first step in the Tobe-yaki ware painting experience is to choose a vessel.
There are many different types and sizes of ceramics to choose from. There are also interior accessories such as "Furin" (Japanese traditional wind chimes) and wall hangings.
After choosing a vessel, it is time to start painting.
The first thing to do is to draw a rough sketch with a pencil while visualizing the finished product. The reason for this is that the ceramics shrinks by about 10% when it is fired in a kiln, so it is important to imagine the finished product carefully. By the way, don't worry about the pencil lines in the drafts, as they will disappear after kiln firing.Once the drafts are done, the painting will finally be done in earnest. The pattern of the painting can be decided freely, so you can choose from traditional patterns, your favorite picture, or a handprint of your child to commemorate the experience/trip.
Once the painting is completed, it takes about 45 days for the vessels to be fired in the kettle. The rest is left to the staff at the hands-on facility, and we wait for them to be fired in the kettle. The time spent waiting is also a pleasure. The finished product will be mailed to you, so be sure to check the shipping address and the cost of shipping.
If you want to experience Tobe-yaki ware
Located in an area where many ceramics studios are concentrated, the Tobe-yaki Ware Ceramics Traditional Craft Museum has valuable exhibits where visitors can learn about the history of Tobe-yaki ware and a free pottery map where visitors can see the works of most contemporary pottery studios. Among them are several facilities and studios where you can experience painting and other hands-on activities, so please refer to them.
Click here for more information about Tobe-yaki Ware Ceramics Traditional Craft Museum
Click here for more information about Tobe-yaki Ware Ceramics Traditional Craft Museum